Pinnacle Names CEO

Las Vegas-based Pinnacle Entertainment has named Anthony M. Sanfilippo president and chief executive officer of the casino company.

The 51-year-old Sanfilippo succeeds John Giovenco, who has served as Pinnacle’s interim CEO since November 2009. Giovenco will continue to serve on Pinnacle’s board.

Sanfilippo is a former president, chief executive and board member of Multimedia Games Inc.

Also Monday, Pinnacle announced that Richard Goeglein has been appointed to the position of non-executive chairman.

Sanfilippo’s appointment is effective immediately. He also has been appointed to Pinnacle’s board of directors.

Sanfilippo has managed and developed gaming operations in Louisiana, Missouri, Indiana and Nevada.

Sanfilippo is buying 125,000 shares of Pinnacle common stock from the company.